Depression decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are remanded due to insufficient examination reports and the need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to June 2, 2011 and as 30 percent thereafter. The appeal for a TDIU from July 30, 2017 onwards is remanded due to the need for an adequate medical opinion.,The Veteran seeks increased ratings for his depressive disorder and entitlement to a TDIU. However, further development is required to obtain an adequate medical opinion that complies with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's service was not considered qualifying for VA non-service-connected disability pension benefits due to his discharge from active duty before the required 90 days, and he did not have a service-connected disability at the time of discharge. His claims for other conditions were denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is now rated at 50% effective May 19, 2017. Prior to that date, the rating was 30%. The decision also grants a 100% evaluation for major depressive disorder as of May 19, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to develop evidence regarding in-service stressors and to obtain an opinion on whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service. The claim for eligibility for treatment purposes remains denied as there was no wartime service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder conditions, neck condition, automobile adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, and an earlier effective date for PTSD are remanded. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted with an effective date of February 14, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for skeletal arthritis of the entire body, left foot disability, right foot disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions addressing whether these conditions were caused or aggravated by service. The other issues remain denied.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression due to insufficient medical opinions. The case of service connection for a skin condition (chloracne, rash, allergic/contact dermatitis) is reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and/or panic disorder).

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for her acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for TDIU due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The appellant withdrew his appeal regarding the rating for unspecified depressive disorder prior to July 31, 2017, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The Board dismissed this issue as a result.

The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s thoracolumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's MDD was rated at 50% from December 20, 2013 to March 5, 2015 and granted a 70% rating beginning March 6, 2015. The appeal is denied for a higher rating after October 25, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action due to a request for substitution by the Veteran's surviving common law spouse. The issues will be reconsidered after determining if the surviving spouse meets eligibility requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the left ear and PTSD, but remanded the issues of service connection for anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and right knee disability were denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.